How the 1986 Mexico World Cup Was Almost Cancelled After a Devastating Earthquake The 1986 Mexico World Cup was almost cancelled after an earthquake struck the capital city in September 1985, killing at least 5,000 people and leaving thousands more homeless.
The disaster raised questions about whether a major international sporting event could or should continue amidst such devastation.
FIFA and the Mexican government chose to proceed with the tournament, citing that most of the designated stadiums remained intact.